Large Darke Co. turnout in mid-term election

The votes are in and nearly 57 percent of Darke County’s registered voters went to the polls. This is up from the 2014 mid-term election when around 43 percent voted. Darke County’s number of registered voters is also up from 33,804 to 34,405. According to the unofficial election results published by the Darke County Board of Elections, 19,562 cards were cast.

Luke Burton, director of the Darke County Board of Elections, said, “Today’s General Election was a success. We saw record early voting for a Governor’s election. Today’s Unofficial Canvass yielded a turnout of 56.86% registered voters.” He continued, “Our voting equipment held up for, hopefully, their last election. It is our intention to have a new voting system ahead of the May 2019 Election. We saw minimal issues and worked to quickly resolve those which did come up.” He also praised his staff and board for the long hours they put in to make this “election run as smooth as it always does in Darke County.”

Overall, it was a good night for Republicans in the county with Mike DeWine picking up 77 percent of the vote for Governor, Dave Yost with 79 percent for Attorney General, Keith Faber with 81 percent for State Auditor, Frank LaRose with 77 percent for Secretary of State, and Robert Sprague with 79 percent for Treasurer of State. Although the county supported Jim Renacci in the US Senate race against Sherrod Brown, the 71 percent was far behind the other votes Republicans received.

Most communities and Greenville City Schools (GCS) received support for their tax levies. GCS voters said yes to a renewal levy with 55 percent voting in favor.

Voters in the Osgood Area Joint Ambulance District said yes to an addition .75 mill, continuing levy with 87 percent of the vote.

Wayne Lakes also asked for an additional 1 mill for 5 years with 172 in favor and 166 against. Their renewal levy also passed.

Adams Township had two replacement levies on the ballot for fire and EMS and both passed.

Greenville Township’s 1.95 mill, 5-year levy passed 3,262 to 2,645.

Twin Township asked for an additional .5 mill levy, but it was turned down by voters. As was a 1/4 percent income tax Union City asked for – 176 against and 108 for the levy.

Versailles voters upheld the decision by village council to rezone 732 and 706 E. Main Street and 45 Maple Street to allow Casey’s to build in the village. The referendum passed 739-415.

Village Administrator Rodd Hale stated, “Village administration and elected officials are happy the referendum issue is behind us and the democratic process was used to determine how we move forward. Change can be difficult, but letting the citizens of the village decide how we proceed was the best method to determine what’s wanted by the majority of the citizens. Now that the vote is complete, we will work to assist the property owners as we would with any entity wanting to create new business and economic growth within the village.”